Channel monitoring method and apparatus, terminal device and network device

ABSTRACT

Provided are a channel monitoring method and apparatus, a terminal device and a network device. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving first search space configuration information and second search space configuration information which are sent by a network device; and the terminal device determining, on the basis of a first timer and/or first control information, to perform downlink control channel monitoring on the basis of the first search space configuration information or the second search space configuration information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/073,837 filed on Oct. 19, 2020, which is a continuation ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/CN2018/097001 filed on Jul. 25,2018. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the application relate to the technical field of mobilecommunication, and particularly to a channel monitoring method andapparatus, a terminal device and a network device.

BACKGROUND

A 5th Generation (5G) technology is researched and standardized to makewireless broadband mobile communication have a higher peak rate, agreater transmission bandwidth and a lower transmission delay. Forexample, a working bandwidth of a 5G terminal device may be 100 MHz tohundreds of MHz, a data transmission rate may be at a Gbps level, and atransmission delay may be reduced to an ms level.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the application provides a method for channelmonitoring, which may include:

-   -   receiving, by a terminal device, first search space        configuration information and second search space configuration        information from a network device; and    -   determining, by the terminal device, to perform downlink control        channel monitoring based on the first search space configuration        information or the second search space configuration information        based on a first timer and/or first control information.

A second aspect of the application provides a method for channelmonitoring, which may include:

-   -   sending, by a network device, first search space configuration        information and second search space configuration information to        a terminal device, where the first search space configuration        information and the second search space configuration        information are configured for the terminal device to determine        to perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the        first search space configuration information or the second        search space configuration information based on a first timer        and/or first control information.

A third aspect of the application provides an apparatus for channelmonitoring, which may include a first receiving unit and a monitoringunit.

The first receiving unit may be configured to receive first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation from a network device.

The monitoring unit may be configured to determine to perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring based on the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information basedon a first timer and/or first control information.

A fourth aspect of the application provides an apparatus for channelmonitoring, which may include a first sending unit.

The first sending unit may be configured to send first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation to a terminal device, the first search space configurationinformation and the second search space configuration information beingconfigured for the terminal device to determine to perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring based on the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information basedon a first timer and/or first control information.

A fifth aspect of the application provides a terminal device, which mayinclude a processor and a memory. The memory may be configured to storea computer program, and the processor may be configured to call and runthe computer program stored in the memory to execute the method forchannel monitoring.

A sixth aspect of the application provides a network device, which mayinclude a processor and a memory. The memory may be configured to storea computer program, and the processor may be configured to call and runthe computer program stored in the memory to execute the method forchannel monitoring.

A seventh aspect of the application provides a chip, which may beconfigured to implement the method for channel monitoring.

Specifically, the chip may include a processor, configured to call andrun a computer program in a memory to enable a device with the chip toexecute the method for channel monitoring in the first or second aspect.

An eighth aspect of the application provides a computer-readable storagemedium, which may be configured to store a computer program enabling acomputer to execute the method for channel monitoring in the first orsecond aspect.

A ninth aspect of the application provides a computer program product,which may store computer program instructions that enable a computer toexecute the method for channel monitoring in the first or second aspect.

A tenth aspect of the application provides a computer program, which mayrun in a computer to enable the computer to execute the method forchannel monitoring in the first or second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are adopted to provide a furtherunderstanding to the application and form a part of the application.Schematic embodiments of the application and descriptions thereof areadopted to explain the application and not intended to form improperlimits to the application. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according toan embodiment of the application.

FIG. 2 is a first flowchart of a channel monitoring method according toan embodiment of the application.

FIG. 3 is a second flowchart of a channel monitoring method according toan embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4 is a first schematic diagram of PDCCH search space monitoringaccording to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 5 is a second schematic diagram of PDCCH search space monitoringaccording to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 6 is a first structure composition diagram of a channel monitoringapparatus according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 7 is a second structure composition diagram of a channel monitoringapparatus according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structure diagram of a communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structure diagram of a chip according to anotherembodiment of the application.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system accordingto an embodiment of the application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A 5th Generation (5G) technology is researched and standardized to makewireless broadband mobile communication have a higher peak rate, agreater transmission bandwidth and a lower transmission delay. Forexample, a working bandwidth of a 5G terminal device may be 100 MHz tohundreds of MHz, a data transmission rate may be at a Gbps level, and atransmission delay may be reduced to an ms level.

However, some problems are also brought to a terminal device inimplementation and specific uses. For example, power consumption of abroadband terminal device may be increased due to radio frequencies andextremely rapid baseband processing of the terminal device, comparedwith that in a conventional wireless communication system. Consequently,standby time and working time of 5G terminal devices may be influenced,and even the battery life of the terminal devices may be impacted.

On the other hand, when a terminal device is in a Radio Resource Control(RRC) connected state, great unnecessary power consumption may begenerated. For example, the terminal device in the RRC connected statemay be required to periodically monitor a Physical Downlink ControlChannel (PDCCH) search space based on a configuration of the PDCCHsearch space, but a network actually may initiate scheduling to theterminal device only in a small number of PDCCH transmission slots. Thatis, the terminal device is not scheduled in plenty of other time, namelyno PDCCH for the terminal device is sent.

There is a growing need of optimizing PDCCH monitoring of a terminaldevice and reducing unnecessary power consumption in a PDCCH receivingprocess of the terminal device.

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the application will bedescribed below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments ofthe application. It is apparent that the described embodiments are notall embodiments but part of embodiments of the application. All otherembodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on theembodiments in the application without creative work shall fall withinthe scope of protection of the application.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the application may beapplied to various communication systems, for example, a Global Systemof Mobile communication (GSM), a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, aGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system,an LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex(TDD), a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), a WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system or afuture 5G system.

Exemplarily, a communication system 100 that the embodiments of theapplication are applied to is shown in FIG. 1 . The communication system100 may include a network device 110. The network device 110 may be adevice communicating with a terminal device 120 (or called acommunication terminal device and a terminal device). The network device110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographicalregion and may communicate with a terminal device under the coverage.Optionally, the network device 110 may be a Base Transceiver Station(BTS) in the GSM or the CDMA system, or a NodeB (NB) in the WCDMAsystem, or an Evolutional Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in the LTE system or awireless controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN). Or thenetwork device may be a mobile switching center, a relay station, anaccess point, a vehicle device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, anetwork bridge, a router, a network-side device in a future 5G network,a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)or the like.

The communication system 100 may further include at least one terminaldevice 120 within the coverage of the network device 110. A “terminaldevice” used herein includes, but not limited to, a device arranged toreceive/send a communication signal through a wired connection, forexample, through Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), DigitalSubscriber Line (DSL), digital cable and direct cable connections,and/or through another data connection/network, and/or through awireless interface such as, for a cellular network, a Wireless LocalArea Network (WLAN), a digital television network like a Digital VideoBroadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) network, a satellite network and anAmplitude Modulated (AM)-Frequency Modulated (FM) broadcast transmitter;and/or the terminal device can be another communication terminal, and/oran Internet of Things (IoT) device. The terminal device arranged tocommunicate through a wireless interface may be called a “wirelesscommunication terminal device”, a “wireless terminal device” or a“mobile terminal device”. Examples of a mobile terminal device include,but not limited to, a satellite or cellular telephone, a PersonalCommunication System (PCS) terminal device capable of combining acellular radio telephone and data processing, faxing and datacommunication capabilities, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) capableof including a radio telephone, a pager, Internet/intranet access, a Webbrowser, a notepad, a calendar and/or a Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver, and a conventional laptop and/or palmtop receiver or anotherelectronic device having a radio telephone transceiver. The terminaldevice may be an access terminal device, User Equipment (UE), a userunit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile radio station, a remotestation, a remote terminal device, a mobile device, a user terminaldevice, a terminal device, a wireless communication device, a user agentor a user device. The access terminal device may be a cell phone, acordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a WirelessLocal Loop (WLL) station, a PDA, a handheld device with a wirelesscommunication function, a computing device, another processing deviceconnected to a wireless modem, a vehicle device, a wearable device, aterminal device in the 5G network, a terminal device in the futureevolved PLMN or the like.

Optionally, the terminal device 120 may perform Device to Device (D2D)communication.

Optionally, the 5G system or the 5G network may also be called a NewRadio (NR) system or an NR network.

A network device and two terminal devices are exemplarily shown in FIG.1 . Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiplenetwork devices and another number of terminal devices under coverage ofeach network device. There are no limits made thereto in the embodimentsof the application.

Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include anothernetwork entity such as a network controller and a mobility managemententity. There are no limits made thereto in the embodiments of theapplication.

It is to be understood that a device with a communication function inthe network/system in the embodiments of the application may be called acommunication device. For example, for the communication system 100shown in FIG. 1 , communication devices may include the network device110 and terminal device 120 with the communication function. The networkdevice 110 and the terminal device 120 may be the specific devicesmentioned above and will not be elaborated herein. The communicationdevices may further include other devices in the communication system100, for example, other network entities like a network controller and amobility management entity. There are no limits made thereto in theembodiments of the application.

It is to be understood that terms “system” and “network” in thedisclosure may usually be exchanged in the disclosure. In thedisclosure, term “and/or” is only an association relationship describingassociated objects and represents that three relationships may exist.For example, A and/or B may represent three conditions: i.e.,independent existence of A, existence of both A and B and independentexistence of B. In addition, character “/” in the disclosure usuallyrepresents that previous and next associated objects form an “or”relationship.

FIG. 2 is a first flowchart of a channel monitoring method according toan embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 3 , the channelmonitoring method includes the following operations.

In operation 201, a terminal device receives first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation from a network device.

In the embodiment of the application, the terminal device may be anydevice capable of communicating with the network device, such as amobile phone, a tablet computer and a vehicle terminal device.

In the embodiment of the application, the network device may be a basestation, for example, a gNB in 5G and an eNB in LTE.

In the embodiment of the application, the search space may be recordedas a PDCCH search space, and the PDCCH search space may be understood asa search space.

In the embodiment of the application, the first search spaceconfiguration information may include configuration information of oneor more search spaces, and the second search space configurationinformation may include configuration information of one or more searchspaces. The configuration information of a search space may include thefollowing information:

-   -   a search Identifier (ID): indicating an ID of the search space;    -   controlResourceSetId: indicating an ID of configuration        information of a control resource set associated with the search        space, which configures a time-frequency resource of the PDCCH        search space;    -   a cycle of a monitored slot and an offset in the cycle: cycles        presently supported by NR include 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 40,        80, 160, 320, 640, 1,280 and 2,560 slots;    -   a duration: indicating the number of slots continuously        monitored in a PDCCH search space cycle;    -   monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot: indicating specific symbols where        PDCCH monitoring is performed in a PDCCH monitored slot;    -   PDCCH candidates: indicating configuration information of a        PDCCH candidate; and    -   the type of search space: indicating whether the PDCCH search        space is a common search space or a UE-specific space.

In the operation 202, the terminal device determines based on a firsttimer and/or first control information to perform downlink controlchannel monitoring based on the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information.

Through the technical solutions, downlink control channel monitoring maybe determined to be performed based on first search space configurationinformation or second search space configuration information based on afirst timer and/or first control information. In such a manner, aterminal device may select a PDCCH search space to be monitored based ona service scheduling condition, and the terminal device may select along-cycle PDCCH search space where there is low traffic or no service,so that power consumption for PDCCH monitoring is reduced.

In the embodiment of the application, configuration information of thefirst timer may be configured by the network device or predefined in astandard. Furthermore, the configuration information of the first timermay include first time length information of the first timer. Forexample, a value of the first time length information may be a timelength, or may also be the number of subframes, or the number of slotsor the number of PDCCH search space cycles. Correspondingly, timekeepingof the first timer may be counting of time, or may be counting ofsubframes or slots or PDCCH search space cycles.

In an implementation mode, the configuration information of the firsttimer may be configured by the network device. Correspondingly, theterminal device may be further required to receive the configurationinformation of the first timer from the network device and thendetermine based on the first timer to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the first search space configuration information orthe second search space configuration information.

In the embodiment of the application, the first timer has an associationrelationship with the first search space configuration information.Under this condition, the terminal device may run the first timer andperform downlink control channel monitoring based on a search spacecorresponding to the first search space configuration information. Inresponse to detecting a downlink control channel for the terminal deviceat any downlink control channel monitoring time, the first timer isrestarted. In response to failing to detect any downlink control channelfor the terminal device, the first timer maintains timekeeping. When thefirst timer expires, the terminal device switches to a search spacecorresponding to the second search space configuration information toperform downlink control channel monitoring. Timekeeping of the firsttimer is taken as a downlink control channel monitoring cycle forexample. In response to failing to detect any downlink control channelfor the terminal device at a downlink control channel monitoring timepoint, a count of the first timer is increased.

For example, in a situation that the terminal device performs PDCCHmonitoring based on the PDCCH search space corresponding to the firstsearch space configuration information, every time when the terminaldevice detects a PDCCH for the terminal device itself, the terminaldevice may restart the first timer; if the terminal device does notdetect the PDCCH for the terminal device in the PDCCH search spacecorresponding to the first search space configuration information, thecount of the first timer is increased; and when the first timer expires,the terminal device may switch to the PDCCH search space correspondingto the second search space configuration information for PDCCHmonitoring.

The embodiment of the application is not limited to the above solution.The first timer may also have an association relationship with thesecond search space configuration information. Under this condition,like the operations executed in case of the first search spaceconfiguration information, the terminal device may run the first timerand perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the searchspace corresponding to the second search space configurationinformation. In response to the terminal device detecting the downlinkcontrol channel for the terminal device, the first timer is restarted.In response to failing to detect any downlink control channel for theterminal device, the first timer maintains timekeeping. When the firsttimer expires, the terminal device may switch to the search spacecorresponding to the first search space configuration information fordownlink control channel monitoring.

According to the technical solution of the embodiments of theapplication, whether to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or the secondsearch space configuration information may be determined based on thefirst timer. The embodiments of the application are not limited thereto.Whether to perform downlink control channel monitoring based on thefirst search space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information may also be determined based on the firstcontrol information. Under this condition, the terminal device mayreceive the first control information from the network device anddetermine to perform downlink control channel monitoring based on thefirst search space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information based on the first control information. Thefirst control information may be Downlink Control Information (DCI) or aMedia Access Control Control Element (MAC CE).

In an implementation mode, the terminal device may perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring in a search space corresponding to targetsearch space configuration information indicated by the first controlinformation immediately when the first control information is received.The target search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information may be the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information.

In another implementation mode, the terminal device may perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring in the search space corresponding to thetarget search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information after a second time length after the first controlinformation is received. The target search space configurationinformation indicated by the first control information may be the firstsearch space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information. The second time length may be configured bythe network device; or, the second time length may be predefined.

In the technical solution of the embodiments of the application, whetherto perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation may be determined based on the first timer. Whether toperform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation may also be determined based on the first controlinformation. Whether to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or the secondsearch space configuration information may also be determined based onboth the first timer and the first control information. In such amanner, a terminal device may select a PDCCH search space to bemonitored based on a service scheduling condition, and the terminaldevice may select a long-cycle PDCCH search space when there is lowtraffic or no service, so that power consumption for PDCCH monitoringcan be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a second flowchart of a channel monitoring method according toan embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 3 , the channelmonitoring method includes the following operation.

In the operation 301, a network device sends first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation to a terminal device, the first search space configurationinformation and the second search space configuration information beingconfigured for the terminal device to determine based on a first timerand/or first control information to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the first search space configuration information orthe second search space configuration information.

In the embodiment of the application, the network device may be a basestation, for example, a gNB in 5G and an eNB in LTE.

In the embodiment of the application, the terminal device may be anydevice capable of communicating with the network device, such as amobile phone, a tablet computer and a vehicle terminal device.

In the embodiment of the application, the search space may be recordedas a PDCCH search space, and the PDCCH search space may be understood asa search space.

In the embodiment of the application, the first search spaceconfiguration information may include configuration information of oneor more search spaces, and the second search space configurationinformation may include configuration information of one or more searchspaces. The contents in the configuration information of a search spacemay be understood with reference to the descriptions for the terminaldevice side.

In the embodiment of the application, configuration information of thefirst timer may be configured by the network device or predefined in astandard. Furthermore, the configuration information of the first timermay include first time length information of the first timer. Forexample, a value of the first time length information may be a timelength, or may be the number of subframes, or the number of slots or thenumber of PDCCH search space cycles. Correspondingly, timekeeping of thefirst timer may be counting of time, or may also be counting of thesubframes, or the slots or the PDCCH search space cycles.

In an implementation mode, the configuration information of the firsttimer may be configured by the network device. Correspondingly, thenetwork device may be further required to send the configurationinformation of the first timer to the terminal device, and then theterminal device may determine based on the first timer to performdownlink control channel monitoring based on the first search spaceconfiguration information or the second search space configurationinformation.

In the embodiment of the application, the first timer has an associationrelationship with the first search space configuration information.Under this condition, the terminal device may run the first timer andperform downlink control channel monitoring based on a search spacecorresponding to the first search space configuration information. Inresponse to detecting a downlink control channel for the terminal deviceat any downlink control channel monitoring time, the first timer isrestarted. In response to failing to detect any downlink control channelfor the terminal device, the first timer maintains timekeeping. When thefirst timer expires, the terminal device may switch to a search spacecorresponding to the second search space configuration information toperform downlink control channel monitoring. For example, timekeeping ofthe first timer is taken as a downlink control channel monitoring cycle.In response to failing to detect any downlink control channel for theterminal device at a downlink control channel monitoring time point, acount of the first timer is increased.

The embodiment of the application is not limited to the above solution.The first timer may also have an association relationship with thesecond search space configuration information. Under this condition,like the operations executed in case of the first search spaceconfiguration information, the terminal device may run the first timerand perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the searchspace corresponding to the second search space configurationinformation. In response to detecting a downlink control channel for theterminal device, the first timer is restarted. In response to failing todetect any downlink control channel for the terminal device, the firsttimer maintains timekeeping. When the first timer expires, the terminaldevice may switch to the search space corresponding to the first searchspace configuration information to perform downlink control channelmonitoring.

According to the technical solution of the embodiment of theapplication, whether to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or the secondsearch space configuration information may be determined based on thefirst timer. The embodiment of the application is not limited thereto.Whether to perform downlink control channel monitoring based on thefirst search space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information may also be determined based on the firstcontrol information. Under this condition, the network device may sendthe first control information to the terminal device. The first controlinformation is configured for the terminal device to determine toperform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation. The first control information may be DCI or a MAC CE.

In an implementation mode, the terminal device may perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring in a search space corresponding to targetsearch space configuration information indicated by the first controlinformation immediately when the first control information is received.The target search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information may be the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information.

In another implementation mode, the terminal device may perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring in the search space corresponding to thetarget search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information after a second time length after the first controlinformation is received. The target search space configurationinformation indicated by the first control information may be the firstsearch space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information. The second time length may be configured bythe network device; or, the second time length may be predefined.

In the technical solution of the embodiment of the application, whetherto perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation may be determined based on the first timer. Whether toperform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation may also be determined based on the first controlinformation. Whether to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or the secondsearch space configuration information may also be determined based onboth the first timer and the first control information. In such amanner, the terminal device may select a PDCCH search space to bemonitored based on a service scheduling condition, and the terminaldevice may select a long-cycle PDCCH search space when there is lowtraffic or no service, so that power consumption for PDCCH monitoring isreduced.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the application will beexemplarily described below in combination with specific applicationexamples. In the following embodiments, the first search spaceconfiguration information is recorded as a configuration of a firstPDCCH search space, the second search space configuration information isrecorded as configuration of a second PDCCH search space, and the firsttimer is recorded as a first timer.

Application Example 1: Monitoring PDCCH Search Space(s) Based on theFirst Timer

The network device may send two PDCCH search space configurations to theterminal device: the first PDCCH search space configuration and thesecond PDCCH search space configuration. The first PDCCH search spaceconfiguration has a relatively short PDCCH search space cycle and isapplicable to the condition of dense arrival of services of the terminaldevice. The second PDCCH search space configuration has a relativelylong PDCCH search space cycle and is applicable to the condition ofsparse arrival of services of the terminal device. Under the conditionof relatively low traffic of the terminal device or no service in ashort time, the second PDCCH search space configuration may be adopted,and the terminal device may monitor a PDCCH at a relatively long timeinterval, and the terminal device may be in a sleep state for short intime between two adjacent PDCCH search spaces, so that energy can besaved more for the terminal device. It is to be pointed out that thefirst PDCCH search space configuration or the second PDCCH search spaceconfiguration may include one or more pieces of PDCCH search spaceconfiguration information. They may include the same or differentamounts of pieces of PDCCH search space configuration information. Forexample, the first PDCCH search space configuration may includeconfiguration information of PDCCH search space 1, PDCCH search space 2and PDCCH search space 3. The second PDCCH search space configurationmay only include configuration information of PDCCH search space 4.

The network device may also send configuration information of the firsttimer to the terminal device, including time length information of thefirst timer. The terminal device may determine based on the first timerto perform PDCCH monitoring based on the first PDCCH search spaceconfiguration or the second PDCCH search space configuration.Specifically, when the terminal device performs PDCCH monitoring basedon a PDCCH search space corresponding to the first PDCCH search spaceconfiguration, every time when the terminal device monitors the PDCCHfor the terminal device, the terminal device restarts the first timer;if the terminal device does not detect the PDCCH for the terminal devicein the corresponding PDCCH search space, a count of the first timer isincreased; and when the first timer expires, the terminal device mayswitch to a PDCCH search space corresponding to the second PDCCH searchspace configuration for PDCCH monitoring.

The count of the first timer may be a count of time, or may also be acount of subframes, a count of slots or a count of PDCCH search spacecycles. Correspondingly, a value of the first timer may be a timelength, or may also be the number of the subframes, the slots or thePDCCH search space cycles. The configuration information of the firsttimer may also be predetermined, and under this condition, the networkdevice is not required to send the configuration information of thefirst timer to the terminal device.

It is to be pointed out that the PDCCH for the terminal device may be aPDCCH scrambled by a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) ofthe terminal device.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the terminal device may perform PDCCH monitoringbased on the PDCCH search space corresponding to the first PDCCH searchspace configuration. A PDCCH may be detected at a first PDCCH monitoringtime point, and the first timer is restarted. If a PDCCH is not detectedat a second PDCCH monitoring time point, then 1 is added to an initialvalue as the count of the first timer. In response to detecting a PDCCHat a third PDCCH monitoring time point, the first timer is restarted. Inresponse to a PDCCH being not detected at a fourth PDCCH monitoring timepoint, 1 is added to the initial value as the count of the first timer.In response to a PDCCH being not detected at a fifth PDCCH monitoringmoment, 2 is added to the initial value as the count of the first timer.By parity of reasoning, if the PDCCH has not yet detected until an nthPDCCH monitoring time point, n is added to the initial value as thecount of the first timer. When the count of the first timer expires, theterminal device may switch to the PDCCH search space corresponding tothe second PDCCH search space configuration for PDCCH monitoring.

Application Example 2: Monitoring PDCCH Search Space(s) Based on theFirst Timer and the First Control Information

For enabling the terminal device to switch between multiple PDCCH searchspace configurations more flexibly, a PDCCH search space configurationswitching mechanism based on DCI or a MAC CE may be combined with theapplication example 1.

Specifically, the network, when expecting the terminal device to switcha PDCCH search space configuration, may send DCI or MAC CE signaling tothe terminal device. The target PDCCH search space configuration forswitching may be indicated in signaling. The terminal device, afterreceiving the signaling, may switch immediately or, based on effectivetime, switch after the effective time. The effective time may bepredefined or notified to the terminal device through RRC signaling.

Before the solution is implemented, the network may configure multiplePDCCH search space configurations for the terminal device and numberthem respectively. When the target PDCCH search space configuration forswitching is indicated by the DCI or the MAC CE, the serial number ofthe target PDCCH search space may be indicated.

Application Example 3: Monitoring PDCCH Search Space(s) Based on theFirst Control Information

Referring to FIG. 5 , the terminal device may perform PDCCH monitoringbased on the PDCCH search space corresponding to the first PDCCH searchspace configuration. A PDCCH is detected at a first PDCCH monitoringtime point, a PDCCH is not detected at a second PDCCH monitoring timepoint, a PDCCH is detected at a third PDCCH monitoring time point, aPDCCH is not detected at a fourth PDCCH monitoring time point, a PDCCHis not detected at a fifth PDCCH monitoring time point, and so on. PDCCHmonitoring may be performed at each PDCCH monitoring time point, untilthe first control information is received at an nth PDPCCH monitoringtime point. Then, the terminal device may switch to the PDCCH searchspace corresponding to the second PDCCH search space configuration toperform PDCCH monitoring based on an indication of the first controlinformation.

FIG. 6 is a first structure composition diagram of a channel monitoringapparatus according to an embodiment of the application. As shown inFIG. 6 , the channel monitoring apparatus includes a first receivingunit 601 and a monitoring unit 602.

The first receiving unit 601 is configured to receive first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation from a network device.

The monitoring unit 602 is configured to determine based on a firsttimer and/or first control information to perform downlink controlchannel monitoring based on the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information.

In an implementation mode, configuration information of the first timermay be configured by the network device; or, the configurationinformation of the first timer may be predefined.

In an implementation mode, the configuration information of the firsttimer may include first time length information of the first timer.

In an implementation mode, the monitoring unit 602 is configured to: runthe first timer and perform downlink control channel monitoring based ona search space corresponding to the first search space configurationinformation; in response to detecting a downlink control channel for theterminal device, restart the first timer; in response to failing todetect any downlink control channel for the terminal device at anydownlink control channel monitoring time, maintain the first timer toconduct timekeeping; and when the first timer expires, switch to asearch space corresponding to the second search space configurationinformation to perform downlink control channel monitoring. Furthermore,in response to failing to detect any downlink control channel for theterminal device at a downlink control channel monitoring time point, acount of the first timer is increased.

In an implementation mode, the device may further include a secondreceiving unit 603.

The second receiving unit 603 is configured to receive the first controlinformation from the network device, the first control information beingDCI or a MAC CE.

In an implementation mode, the monitoring unit 602 is configured toperform downlink control channel monitoring in a search spacecorresponding to target search space configuration information indicatedby the first control information immediately when the second receivingunit receives the first control information. The target search spaceconfiguration information indicated by the first control information maybe the first search space configuration information or the second searchspace configuration information.

In an implementation mode, the monitoring unit 602 is configured toperform downlink control channel monitoring in the search spacecorresponding to the target search space configuration informationindicated by the first control information after a second time lengthafter the second receiving unit receives the first control information.The target search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information may be the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information.

In an implementation mode, the second time length may be configured bythe network device; or, the second time length may be predefined.

In an implementation mode, the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information mayinclude configuration information of one or more search spaces.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the relateddescriptions about the channel monitoring apparatus of the embodimentsof the application may be understood with reference to the relateddescriptions about the channel monitoring method of the embodiments ofthe application.

FIG. 7 is a second structure composition diagram of a channel monitoringapparatus according to an embodiment of the application. As shown inFIG. 7 , the channel monitoring apparatus includes a first sending unit701.

The first sending unit 701 is configured to send first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation to a terminal device. The first search space configurationinformation and the second search space configuration information may beconfigured for the terminal device to determine based on a first timerand/or first control information to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the first search space configuration information orthe second search space configuration information.

In an implementation mode, configuration information of the first timermay be configured by a network device; or, the configuration informationof the first timer may be predefined.

In an implementation mode, the configuration information of the firsttimer may include first time length information of the first timer.

In an implementation mode, the device may further include a secondsending unit 702.

The second sending unit 702 is configured to send the first controlinformation to the terminal device, the first control information beingDCI or a MAC CE.

In an implementation mode, the first search space configurationinformation or the second search space configuration information mayinclude configuration information of one or more search spaces.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the relateddescriptions about the channel monitoring apparatus of the embodimentsof the application may be understood with reference to the relateddescriptions about the channel monitoring method of the embodiments ofthe application.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structure diagram of a communication device 600according to an embodiment of the application. The communication devicemay be a terminal device and may also be a network device. Thecommunication device 600 shown in FIG. 8 includes a processor 610. Theprocessor 610 may call and run a computer program in a memory toimplement the method in the embodiments of the application.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8 , the communication device 600 mayfurther include a memory 620. The processor 610 may call and run thecomputer program in the memory 620 to implement the method in theembodiments of the application.

The memory 620 may be an independent device independent of the processor610 and may also be integrated into the processor 610.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8 , the communication device 600 mayfurther include a transceiver 630. The processor 610 may control thetransceiver 630 to communicate with another device, specifically sendinginformation or data to another device or receiving information or datafrom another device.

The transceiver 630 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Thetransceiver 630 may further include antennae. The number of the antennaemay be one or more.

Optionally, the communication device 600 may specifically be a networkdevice of the embodiment of the application. The communication device600 may implement corresponding flows implemented by the network devicein each method of the embodiments of the application. For simplicity,elaborations are omitted herein.

Optionally, the communication device 600 may specifically be the mobileterminal device/terminal device of the embodiments of the application.The communication device 600 may implement corresponding flowsimplemented by the mobile terminal device/terminal device in each methodof the embodiments of the application. For simplicity, elaborations areomitted herein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structure diagram of a chip according to anotherembodiment of the application. The chip 700 shown in FIG. 9 includes aprocessor 710. The processor 710 may call and run a computer program ina memory to implement the method in the embodiments of the application.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 9 , the chip 700 may further include thememory 720. The processor 710 may call and run the computer program inthe memory 720 to implement the method in the embodiments of theapplication.

The memory 720 may be an independent device independent of the processor710 and may also be integrated into the processor 710.

Optionally, the chip 700 may further include an input interface 730. Theprocessor 710 may control the input interface 730 to communicate withanother device or chip, specifically acquiring information or data fromthe other device or chip.

Optionally, the chip 700 may further include an output interface 740.The processor 710 may control the output interface 740 to communicatewith the other device or chip, specifically outputting information ordata from the other device or chip.

Optionally, the chip may be applied to the network device of theembodiments of the application, and the chip may implement correspondingflows implemented by the network device in each method of theembodiments of the application. For simplicity, elaborations are omittedherein.

Optionally, the chip may be applied to the mobile terminaldevice/terminal device of the embodiment of the application, and thechip may implement corresponding flows implemented by the mobileterminal device/terminal device in each method of the embodiment of theapplication. For simplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

It is to be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiment of theapplication may also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, achip system or a system on chip, etc.

FIG. 10 is a second block diagram of a communication system 900according to an embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 10 , acommunication system 900 includes a terminal device 910 and a networkdevice 920.

The terminal device 910 may be configured to implement correspondingfunctions realized by the terminal device in the method. The networkdevice 920 may be configured to implement corresponding functionsrealized by the network device in the method. For simplicity,elaborations are omitted herein.

It is to be understood that the processor in the embodiment of theapplication may be an integrated circuit chip and has a signalprocessing capacity. In an implementation process, each operation of themethod embodiments may be completed by an integrated logical circuit ofhardware in the processor or an instruction in a software form. Theprocessor may be a universal processor, a Digital Signal Processor(DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA) or another programmable logical device,discrete gate or transistor logical device and discrete hardwarecomponent. Each method, operation and logical block diagram disclosed inthe embodiments of the application may be implemented or executed. Theuniversal processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also beany conventional processor and the like. The operations of the methoddescribed in combination with the embodiments of the application may bedirectly embodied to be executed and completed by a hardware decodingprocessor or executed and completed by a combination of hardware andsoftware modules in the decoding processor. The software module may belocated in a mature storage medium in this field such as a Random AccessMemory (RAM), a flash memory, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a ProgrammableROM (PROM) or Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) and a register. Thestorage medium is located in a memory, and the processor readsinformation in the memory, and completes the operations of the method incombination with hardware.

It can be understood that the memory in the embodiment of theapplication may be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or mayinclude both the volatile and nonvolatile memories. The nonvolatilememory may be a ROM, a PROM, an Erasable PROM (EPROM), an EEPROM or aflash memory. The volatile memory may be a RAM, and is used as anexternal high-speed cache. It is exemplarily but unlimitedly describedthat RAMs in various forms may be adopted, such as a Static RAM (SRAM),a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), a Double Data RateSDRAM (DDRSDRAM), an Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), a Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM)and a Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It is to be noted that the memory of asystem and method described in the disclosure is intended to include,but not limited to, memories of these and any other proper types.

It is to be understood that the memory is exemplarily but unlimitedlydescribed. For example, the memory in the embodiments of the applicationmay also be an SRAM, a DRAM, an SDRAM, a DDR SDRAM, an ESDRAM, an SLDRAMand a DR RAM. That is, the memory in the embodiments of the applicationis intended to include, but not limited to, memories of these and anyother proper types.

The embodiments of the application also provide a computer-readablestorage medium, which is configured to store a computer program.

Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to anetwork device in the embodiments of the application. The computerprogram enables a computer to execute corresponding flows implemented bythe network device in each method of the embodiments of the application.For simplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to amobile terminal device/terminal device in the embodiments of theapplication. The computer program enables a computer to executecorresponding flows implemented by the mobile terminal device/terminaldevice in each method of the embodiments of the application. Forsimplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

The embodiments of the application also provide a computer programproduct, which stores computer program instructions.

Optionally, the computer program product may be applied to a networkdevice in the embodiments of the application. The computer programinstructions enable a computer to execute corresponding flowsimplemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments ofthe application. For simplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

Optionally, the computer program product may be applied to a mobileterminal device/terminal device in the embodiments of the application.The computer program instructions enable the computer to executecorresponding flows implemented by the mobile terminal device/terminaldevice in each method of the embodiments of the application. Forsimplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

The embodiments of the application also provide a computer program.

Optionally, the computer program may be applied to a network device inthe embodiments of the application. The computer program may run in acomputer to enable the computer to execute corresponding flowsimplemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments ofthe application. For simplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

Optionally, the computer program may be applied to a mobile terminaldevice/terminal device in the embodiments of the application. Thecomputer program may run in the computer to enable the computer toexecute corresponding flows implemented by the mobile terminaldevice/terminal device in each method of the embodiments of theapplication. For simplicity, elaborations are omitted herein.

Those of ordinary skill in the art may realize that the units andalgorithm operations of each example described in combination with theembodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be implemented by electronichardware or a combination of computer software and the electronichardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or softwaremanner depends on specific applications and design constraints of thetechnical solutions. Professionals may realize the described functionsfor each specific application by use of different methods, but suchrealization shall fall within the scope of the application.

Those skilled in the art may clearly learn about that specific workingprocesses of the system, device and unit described above may refer tothe corresponding processes in the method embodiment and will not beelaborated herein for convenient and brief description.

In some embodiments provided by the application, it is to be understoodthat the disclosed system, device and method may be implemented inanother manner. For example, the device embodiment described above isonly schematic, and for example, division of the units is only logicfunction division, and other division manners may be adopted duringpractical implementation. For example, multiple units or components maybe combined or integrated into another system, or some characteristicsmay be neglected or not executed. In addition, coupling or directcoupling or communication connection between each displayed or discussedcomponent may be indirect coupling or communication connection,implemented through some interfaces, of the device or the units, and maybe electrical and mechanical or adopt other forms.

The units described as separate parts may or may not be physicallyseparated, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physicalunits, and namely may be located in the same place, or may also bedistributed to multiple network units. Part or all of the units may beselected to achieve the purpose of the solutions of the embodimentsaccording to a practical requirement.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the applicationmay be integrated into a processing unit, each unit may also physicallyexist independently, and two or more than two units may also beintegrated into a unit.

When being realized in form of software functional unit and sold or usedas an independent product, the function may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, thetechnical solutions of the application substantially or parts makingcontributions to the conventional art or part of the technical solutionsmay be embodied in form of software product, and the computer softwareproduct is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality ofinstructions configured to enable a computer device (which may be apersonal computer, a server, a network device or the like) to executeall or part of the operations of the method in each embodiment of theapplication. The abovementioned storage medium includes: various mediacapable of storing program codes such as a U disk, a mobile hard disk, aROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

The above is only the specific implementation mode of the applicationand not intended to limit the scope of protection of the application.Any variations or replacements apparent to those skilled in the artwithin the technical scope disclosed by the application shall fallwithin the scope of protection of the application. Therefore, the scopeof protection of the application shall be subject to the scope ofprotection of the claims.

1. A method for channel monitoring, comprising: receiving, by a terminaldevice, first search space configuration information and second searchspace configuration information from a network device; receiving, by theterminal device, first control information from the network device,wherein the first control information is Downlink Control Information(DCI); and determining, by the terminal device based on at least one ofa first timer or the first control information, to perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring based on the first search space configurationinformation or to perform downlink control channel monitoring based onthe second search space configuration information.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein configuration information of the first timer isconfigured by the network device; or, configuration information of thefirst timer is predefined.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theconfiguration information of the first timer comprises first time lengthinformation of the first timer.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining, by the terminal device based on the first timer, to performdownlink control channel monitoring based on the first search spaceconfiguration information or to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the second search space configuration informationcomprises: by the terminal device, running the first timer andperforming downlink control channel monitoring based on a search spacecorresponding to the first search space configuration information;restarting the first timer by the terminal device in response todetecting a downlink control channel for the terminal device at anydownlink control channel monitoring time; and maintaining the firsttimer to conduct timekeeping in response to failing to detect anydownlink control channel for the terminal device; and when the firsttimer expires, executing, by the terminal device, switching to a searchspace corresponding to the second search space configuration informationto perform downlink control channel monitoring.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein determining, by the terminal device based on the firstcontrol information, to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or to performdownlink control channel monitoring based on the second search spaceconfiguration information comprises: performing, by the terminal device,downlink control channel monitoring in a search space corresponding totarget search space configuration information indicated by the firstcontrol information after a second time length after the first controlinformation is received, wherein the target search space configurationinformation indicated by the first control information is the firstsearch space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the secondtime length is configured by the network device; or, the second timelength is predefined.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first searchspace configuration information or the second search space configurationinformation comprises configuration information of one or more searchspaces.
 8. A method for channel monitoring, comprising: sending, by anetwork device, first search space configuration information and secondsearch space configuration information to a terminal device; sending, bythe network device, first control information to the terminal device,wherein the first control information is Downlink Control Information(DCI), and wherein the first search space configuration information andthe second search space configuration information are configured for theterminal device to determine based on at least one of a first timer orthe first control information to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the first search space configuration information orto perform downlink control channel monitoring based on the secondsearch space configuration information.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein configuration information of the first timer is configured bythe network device; or, configuration information of the first timer ispredefined.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the configurationinformation of the first timer comprises first time length informationof the first timer.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the first searchspace configuration information and the second search spaceconfiguration information are specifically configured for the terminaldevice to perform downlink control channel monitoring in a search spacecorresponding to target search space configuration information indicatedby the first control information after a second time length after thefirst control information is received, wherein the target search spaceconfiguration information indicated by the first control information isthe first search space configuration information or the second searchspace configuration information.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thesecond time length is configured by the network device; or, the secondtime length is predefined.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the firstsearch space configuration information or the second search spaceconfiguration information comprises configuration information of one ormore search spaces.
 14. An apparatus for channel monitoring, comprising:a processor; and a transceiver, connected to the processor andconfigured to receive and send information under control of theprocessor; wherein the transceiver is configured to receive first searchspace configuration information and second search space configurationinformation from a network device, and to receive first controlinformation from the network device, wherein the first controlinformation is Downlink Control Information (DCI); and the processor isconfigured to determine based on at least one of a first timer or thefirst control information to perform downlink control channel monitoringbased on the first search space configuration information or to performdownlink control channel monitoring based on the second search spaceconfiguration information.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theprocessor is configured to: run the first timer and perform downlinkcontrol channel monitoring based on a search space corresponding to thefirst search space configuration information; restart the first timer inresponse to detecting a downlink control channel for the terminal deviceat any downlink control channel monitoring time; maintain the firsttimer to conduct timekeeping in response to failing to detect anydownlink control channel for the terminal device; and when the firsttimer expires, switch to a search space corresponding to the secondsearch space configuration information to perform downlink controlchannel monitoring.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processoris configured to perform downlink control channel monitoring in a searchspace corresponding to target search space configuration informationindicated by the first control information after a second time lengthafter the first control information is received, wherein the targetsearch space configuration information indicated by the first controlinformation is the first search space configuration information or thesecond search space configuration information.
 17. An apparatus forchannel monitoring, comprising: a processor; and a transceiver,connected to the processor and configured to: send first search spaceconfiguration information and second search space configurationinformation to a terminal device; and to send first control informationto the terminal device, wherein the first control information isDownlink Control Information (DCI), wherein the first search spaceconfiguration information and the second search space configurationinformation are configured for the terminal device to determine based onat least one of a first timer or the first control information toperform downlink control channel monitoring based on the first searchspace configuration information or to perform downlink control channelmonitoring based on the second search space configuration information.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first search spaceconfiguration information or the second search space configurationinformation comprises configuration information of one or more searchspaces.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first search spaceconfiguration information and the second search space configurationinformation are specifically configured for the terminal device toperform downlink control channel monitoring in a search spacecorresponding to target search space configuration information indicatedby the first control information after a second time length after thefirst control information is received, wherein the target search spaceconfiguration information indicated by the first control information isthe first search space configuration information or the second searchspace configuration information.
 20. A chip, comprising a processorconfigured to call and run a computer program in a memory to enable adevice with the chip to execute the method of claim 1.